Another quiet week in the sleepy hollow that is UK politics. Just the one prime ministerial defenestration, followed by the jailing of a former First Minister’s ex. As Russell Crowe’s Gladiator asked: “Are you not entertained?” 

And lo, the answer comes back: “Meh”.

For an increasing number of viewers, the reporting of politics on mainstream television is becoming a turn-off.  In one study, wars, disasters, and politics were the top three reasons why people felt “worn out” by the news. The under-35s are even less enamoured, turning to social media for their political news. 

So think on that, Chris Mason of the BBC, as you stand outside Number 10 doing  your umpteenth interview of the day. Have a word with yourself, Beth Rigby of Sky News, next time you are tempted to play lioness and gazelle with a fleeing Cabinet minister. As for BBC Scotland’s Glenn Campbell, often to be found filming his piece to camera in front of a reflecting pool at Holyrood, you might as well climb in and have a paddle, mate, because chances are the key demographic is not watching. 

Since the first two-way crackled across the airwaves, broadcasters have been asking themselves what viewers want. A cynic might think they don’t care that much as long as the wages are paid on time. That’s not my experience. Every reporter wants their work to be seen, but it is about more than that for the Masons, Rigbys and Campbells, and those climbing the ladder after them.

If Downing Street lecterns could talk what would they say about........

© Herald Scotland